Through, Together
A newsletter about choosing love
Hey there Neighbor,
It’s been a while. While I haven’t gotten to write an e-news in a few months, I have gotten the opportunity to see so many of you in the community between a parade, downtown cleanups, a budget signing, the cemetery walk, and so many other amazing local events–it’s always such a pleasure to spend time with you together in community.
And it’s community that’s driving me to write today.
Look, as a White, Christian, suburbanite living in Michigan, I am sure I have nothing to offer on the past weeks’ death and violence in the Middle East that has not already been stated better by someone much more prepared and powerful than me. But to say nothing would be complicity in what is nothing short of state-sanctioned genocide, and I cannot let that pass without trying to share my thoughts, as well as I know how to form them.
Last month, I had the honor of speaking at VFW Post 1136’s Patriots Day (9/11) Ceremony. This is always an emotional day for me, as it is for many Americans. I was eight years old when our country was rocked by this attack, and I can still vividly remember the fear and sadness I felt when I padded into our laundry room a few weeks later, quietly asking my mom, “Are we going to go to war?”
I am, as ever, terrifically grateful for how my parents responded, both to this question and generally in the aftermath of the attack. They made sure I knew that no matter what happened, we would be safe, and they went out of their way to make sure that my siblings and I understood that our neighbors in Dearborn were not our enemies. Both of them emphasized that the worst members of any group of people do not represent the group as a whole, and that holding people accountable for actions they did not agree with, let alone commit, was wrong. We were back to our regularly scheduled Lebanese dinners by October.
I credit both my folks with how I grew into the person I am, and especially how my thoughts were shaped from childhood to look at what is happening in the world today. It’s no easy feat to combat fear, especially when the media is drilling the worst possible images into our brains all the time, something social media has intensified a hundredfold (and given us mountains of misinformation to sift through to boot). But the truth is that -isms and -phobias are best combated by the simple act of talking to people who do not look, think, or worship the same way as us. It is by recognizing our shared humanity that we are able to overcome hatred and division. The only way out is together.
I have spoken, often, about the need to hold competing truths in our head in order to make good policy decisions. And all of these things are true: Hamas’ actions were a deplorable act of terrorism and should be roundly denounced. AND, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is being exacerbated by Israel’s response. AND, everyone’s feelings of hurt and despair about these attacks are valid. AND, any time that hate or fear drives policy, innocent lives will be lost. I do not envy those currently charged with determining an appropriate response, especially as members of an international community on whose shores the violence is not happening. But I urge them, as I do everyone reading this, to let yourself feel the rage, and sadness, and hurt…and then remember that compassion must lead if we have any hope of true peace in this world.
To my Jewish, Arabic, and Muslim friends, especially those who have loved ones directly impacted by this escalation: my heart is breaking for you, every day. And to my friends who feel lost, powerless, and unsure of what to do in these times: Choose love. Choose compassion. Choose community. Choose to act—our biggest failure would be giving in to despair, doing nothing.
Below, as usual, you’ll see the community calendar for the month—there are lots of opportunities to come be with neighbors and friends happening in the coming weeks, something I know I will find healing. Beneath that, I have a few quick blurbs and shoutouts to share about our fine city. And as always, never hesitate to give me a shout at kstec@wyandottemi.gov. Whether you want to ask a question, share a complaint, or just need a place to scream into the void, I’m here to listen.
In loving service,
Kelly
City Calendar
Thursday, October 19
VFW 1136 Car Show and Chili Cookoff, chili 4-7pm ($5 entry), band from 6-10pm, 633 Ford Ave.
Friday, October 20
Halloween Open House, Wyandotte Historical Museum, 5-8pm, free admission, 2610 Biddle Ave.
American Legion Post 217 Trunk or Treat, 6-8pm, 2817 Van Alstyne
Euchre, 7pm, PLAV Post 74, 963 Oak St.
Weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays
Saturday, October 21
City Wide Park Cleanup, 10am-1pm. Join at your neighborhood park! Please bring gloves and garden tools if available.
Downriver Music Bingo Fundraiser, 8pm ($50), proceeds to benefit local charity, 822 Oak St.
Monday, October 23
City Council Meeting, 7pm, 3200 Biddle or via Zoom, see city website for Zoom details
Tuesday, October 24
Fall Family Festival, 5-7:30pm, the Copeland Center. Free admission, crafts, safety information for families. Hosted by the Wyandotte Jaycees, Kiwanis, and Lions.
Thursday, October 26
Music Bingo, 7pm (free), FOP, 822 Oak St.
hosted every other Thursday
Sunday, October 29
Trunk or Treat at PLAV Post 74, 3-5pm, hosted by PRCU, PLAV Post 74, American Legion Post 447 and FOP, 963 Oak St.
OOPS. An earlier version of this newsletter missed a host and incorrectly stated that the event would be held at PRCU. Thank you for the correction!
Tuesday, October 31
Trick or Treating in Wyandotte, 5:30-7:30pm
Local Briefs
It’s Independent Retailers Week in Michigan! If you have a purchase you need to make this week, before clicking “Add to Cart” on Amazon, stop by one of our local businesses and spend your dollars there—more money stays local that way, and it helps our small businesses keep their doors open.
This month, the Wyandotte Museums held their annual cemetery walk, which boasted over SIXTY volunteers this year! Many thanks to everyone who makes this event happen, especially our fantastic museum staff of Jesse, Julia, and Tom.
The Downtown Wyandotte Survey is still live! If you have not yet done so, please take a moment to share your thoughts as we look towards the future of our city center.
We need you! Last fall, Michigan voters approved Proposal 22-2, which constitutionally cemented the right to nine days of early voting prior to state and federal elections. With that, the clerk’s office has a bigger need than ever for folks who are willing to come spend a day or two serving as an election inspector. If you’re interested, please fill out this form and someone from the clerk’s office will be in touch! As a note: anyone over the age of 16 can legally serve as an election inspector, so if your child’s sports team, music group, or other extracurricular is looking for a fundraising opportunity, working the polls can be a great way to earn money and learn about the elections process at the same time!
Interested in helping out families in need this holiday season? In addition to many church-sponsored programs, Wyandotte hosts Shop with a Cop through FOP, holiday food assistance through the Jaycees, and Christmas gift distribution through the Wyandotte Goodfellows, as well as Toys for Tots. Your generous donations are appreciated by all these organizations. If you are available to donate time for toy distribution or letter writing, please reach out and I will connect you with the appropriate leaders!
Very well said.